24Abia Monarch Praises Otti for Rehabilitating Historic Landmarks, Roads

HRM Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, a traditional ruler in Abia State and former Chairman of Ohuhu Council of Traditional Rulers, has commended Governor Alex Otti for rehabilitating and retrofitting key historical landmarks, including the Omenuko Bridge and Ojukwu Bunker.

The monarch, who also rules Ekeoba Community in Umuahia North LGA, described the restoration of the Omenuko Bridge—a structure named after the pre-colonial Aro trader, Mazi Omenuko—as “a wonderful move” that will reduce the high number of accidents previously recorded due to the bridge’s dilapidated state.

Speaking on a radio programme in Umuahia, the royal father noted that the retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker, where the defunct Biafra was administered during the Nigerian civil war, is poised to attract tourists eager to witness the historic site. He expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for initiating critical projects across the state since assuming office, emphasizing that the rehabilitation of the 70-year-old bridge has restored hope for residents of Arochukwu and Ohafia LGAs.

“Good governance has eluded the people for years. The Omenuko Bridge, which connects Abam to Arochukwu town, was long abandoned, but Governor Otti’s administration refused to let this continue,” the monarch said.

HRM Nwokenna recalled his personal struggle to access Arochukwu due to the bridge’s poor condition. “We were so scared to go through the bridge, so we avoided visiting until Governor Otti assumed office. Successive governments abandoned it, but he came to the rescue. You should have seen the huge crowd that welcomed him during the bridge’s recent commissioning,” he added.

The traditional ruler also highlighted other infrastructure projects completed under the Otti administration, including the reconstruction of the Port Harcourt Road, Umuahia-Uzuakoli Road, Abam-Arochukwu Road, and several key roads in Aba and Umuahia. He noted that poor road networks had previously caused immense hardship for Abians and visitors from neighbouring states like Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

Concluding his remarks, the monarch urged the people to support Governor Otti in his future political endeavors, stressing that effective governance should provide tangible dividends for citizens.